By their very nature, it’s impossible to predict when you might have a dental emergency. Concerns such as lost or damaged restorations or sudden and severe toothaches can potentially arise at any time.
Although many dentists offer same-day appointments so you don’t have to wait long for help, oral emergencies often require costly and complex procedures to address. Fortunately, proper maintenance can help you avoid them altogether. Continue reading to learn more about 3 things you can do to prevent oral emergencies!
Tip #1: Implement Consistent At-Home Hygiene
Your mouth is full of bacteria waiting to penetrate your enamel and connective tissues to cause decay, disease, and injuries that can cause an emergency. Thankfully, you can reduce the likelihood of developing any issues by cleaning your mouth consistently.
You can do this by thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth both morning and night to remove plaque buildup, unhealthy germs, and other debris that might cause problems. This strengthens your enamel and gums, making them more resistant to potential issues. It also has the added benefit of keeping your breath smelling fresh!
Tip #2: Pay Attention to Your Condition
Many people end up in their dentist’s chair because they sustained an injury or issue that could have been avoided if they had noticed it developing sooner. Implementing a twice-daily dental hygiene routine also gives you the chance to briefly examine your own teeth and gums to spot any changes that might point to underlying issues.
For instance, if your gums start to look darker or puffier than usual, you might have gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease. This can often be halted or even reversed, but if left untreated and progresses to more advanced stages, it can sometimes only be managed, not cured. It can eventually cause your gums to recede, leaving your teeth without a firm enough anchor to remain in place.
Paying attention to your own condition helps you identify potential areas of concern so you can contact your dentist for help before they progress.
Tip #3: Schedule Routine Visits
Finally, you can prevent many dental emergencies by visiting your provider twice annually for a routine checkup and cleaning. Standard appointments allow your dentist to monitor your oral health to prevent potential concerns. For instance, they’ll carefully examine your teeth and gums to treat any problems before they worsen into urgent issues.
They can also take X-rays to ensure there are no hidden concerns developing beneath the surfaces of your teeth and gums to safeguard your smile.
Fortunately, taking a few simple precautions and investing in routine maintenance can help you avoid potential issues that frequently contribute to dental emergencies!
About the Practice
Patients at Berkshire Dental Group benefit from two dentists eager to help them improve their lives by enhancing their smiles. Dr. Sprague and Dr. Beller are highly accomplished providers who collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services, including emergency care, to meet all your needs under one roof. Their compassionate approach is combined with advanced technology, including dental sedation, to provide comfortable, accurate treatment results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (918) 250-9528.